Australia is a very multicultural society, with diverse culinary traditions. Just about every kind of international cuisine is available to eat in Australia; from Italian to Thai to Indian and Vietnamese, there is something to tickle all tastebuds. Multicultural tastes heavily influence Australia’s food culture, with many Australian chefs creating “Fusions” of multiple cultures. So what makes up Australias food culture?
Meat
Australia has a long standing tradition of consuming meat, because meat makes up a significant portion of Australias agricultural economy. Many Aussies grew up under the eat “Meat and 3 Veggies” dietary rule. Roasting and Barbecuing meats are typical in Australia, with Barbecues (or BBQs) seen as social affairs, often coupled with beers and a stereotypical game of backyard cricket. Australians love a good outdoor meal, and it is not uncommon to see families picnicking or Barbecuing on a weekend.
Alcohol
Alcohol plays a big part in Australian culture, with it being a staple at most celebrations, social activities and relaxation efforts. Although the legal drinking age in Australia is 18, there is an increasing trend in underage children consuming alcohol. This is understood to be a result of social occasions, family influence, and peer pressure, because it is considered “un-Australian” to turn down a drink.
Seafood
Australia is a land ‘Girt by sea’ so it only makes sense that seafood is a big part of the food influence. Fish and chips is a very common Australian meal, consisting of deep fried fish and hot chips!
Iconic Australian Foods
Vegemite:
Vegemite is a thick brown spread made of yeast, and full of vitamin B. It is a spread that has been enjoyed by Australians for decades.
Pavlova:
Pavlova is a really common Australian Dessert. There is an ongoing debate between Australia and New Zealand over which country actually created the Pav, but Australia still likes to claim it! It’s a sugary meringue based dessert, often topped with cream and loads of fruit.
ANZAC Biscuits:
ANZAC Biscuits are super simple cookies made from Oats and Golden Syrup. These biscuits were named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp.
Lamingtons:
Lamingtons are made from squares of sponge cake coated in chocolate sauce and rolled in coconut. Lamingtons are a popular Australian treat.
Tim Tams:
Tim Tams are chocolate biscuits created by Australian company Arnott’s. Time Tams are two malted biscuits, with a central cream filling layer, and then dipped in chocolate. They are delicious and now come in many flavours including double chocolate, and caramel.
Weet Bix:
Weet Bix are essentially biscuits of wheat, and are usually eaten with milk for breakfast. There have been a number of marketing campaigns that are important to Australian Weet Bix Culture including “How many do you do”, and “Aussie kids are Weet Bix Kids”.
Meat Pies:
A meat pie in Australia is a hand sized pastry filled with some kind of meat. Meat pies are often consumed with tomato sauce, and are considered a convenient take away meal.
Damper:
Damper is a traditional Australian bread cooked often by Stockmen. Damper is best cooked in the hot coals of a fire. Check out this Damper Recipe.
Hamburger:
A typical Aussie hamburger consists of a fried meat patty, cheese, egg, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and most importantly beetroot.
Sausage:
Sausages or snags, are cylindrical meat products, often made of ground beef or pork. Sausages are regularly cooked on a BBQ, colloquially known as a “Sausage Sizzle”.
Australians have a very diverse food culture, with lots of influence from neighbouring nations. What are your thoughts?